title: Optimization strategies on the structural modeling of gelatin/chitosan scaffolds to mimic human meniscus tissue.
abstract: Meniscus lesions are frequently occurring injuries with poor ability to heal. Typical treatment procedure includes removal of damaged regions, which can lead to sub-optimal knee biomechanics and early onset of osteoarthritis. Some of the drawbacks of current treatment approach present an opportunity for a tissue engineering solution. In this study, gelatin (G)/chitosan (Cs) scaffolds were synthesized via gel casting method and cross-linked with naturally derived cross-linker, genipin, through scaffold cross-linking method. Based on the characteristics of native meniscus tissue microstructure and function, three different layers were chosen to design the macroporous multilayered scaffolds. The multi-layered scaffolds were investigated for their ability to support human-derived meniscus cells by evaluating their morphology and proliferation using MTT assay at various time points. Based on structural, mechanical and cell compatibility considerations, laminated scaffolds composed of G60/Cs40, G80/Cs20 and G40/Cs60 samples, for the first, second and third layers, respectively, could be an appropriate combination for meniscus tissue engineering applications.
authors.affiliation: Sports Engineering Group, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering (Center of Excellence), Amirkabir University of Technology, P.O. Box 15875-4413, Tehran, Iran; Institute for Macromolecular Chemistry, University of Freiburg, Hermann Staudinger Haus, Freiburg D-79104, Germany; Helmholtz Virtual Institute: Multifunctional Biomaterials for Medicine, Freiburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Melika
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sarem
authors.forename: Fathollah
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Moztarzadeh
authors.forename: Masoud
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mozafari
authors.forename: V Prasad
authors.initials: VP
authors.lastname: Shastri
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D048271:Chitosan / Q000737:chemistry*; D005780:Gelatin / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D020136:Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate / Q000737:chemistry; D039823:Iridoids / Q000737:chemistry; D008297:Male; D008592:Menisci, Tibial / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000166:cytology*; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D023822:Tissue Engineering; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D039823:Iridoids; D020136:Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate; D005780:Gelatin; D048271:Chitosan; C007834:genipin
keywords: Biomaterials; Meniscus repair; Porous scaffold; Tissue engineering